So, you’ve finally got that dream backyard pool in Phoenix—or maybe you’re thinking about getting one. But now you’re staring at the sparkling water and wondering, “Wait, how much is this going to cost me every month?” You’re not alone. A lot of folks here in the Valley of the Sun jump into pool ownership without realizing that maintenance isn’t just about skimming leaves. Between the scorching summer heat evaporating chemicals faster and the occasional monsoon mess, costs can sneak up on you. In this post, we’ll break down exactly what you’ll spend on pool care, from chlorine shocks to filter replacements. By the end, you’ll know how to budget smartly—and maybe even save a few bucks.
The Basics: What You’ll Pay For Every Month
Let’s start simple. Pool maintenance isn’t just one big bill—it’s a bunch of smaller things adding up. Think of it like taking care of a pet goldfish, but way bigger. You’ve got:
- Chemicals: Chlorine, pH balancers, and algaecide. In Phoenix, the heat can burn off chlorine faster, so you might spend $20-$50 monthly.
- Cleaning: Skimming, vacuuming, and brushing. If you DIY, this is mostly elbow grease. But if you hire someone? That’s $80-$150 a month.
- Water: Evaporation here is no joke. Topping off your pool could add $10-$30 to your water bill in summer.
Say your neighbor Sarah spends $100/month on a service. But if she did it herself, she’d save $50. Of course, time matters too—scrubbing tiles in 110° heat isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.
Surprise Costs: The Stuff You Don’t See Coming
Here’s where pools get sneaky. Imagine your filter dies in the middle of July (because Arizona summers love drama). A new pump or filter can cost $300-$1,000. Then there’s:
- Seasonal changes: Winterizing your pool? Even here, you’ll spend $150-$300 to prep it for cooler nights.
- Repairs: Cracked tiles, leaky pipes—those “oh no” moments. A single repair can run $200-$500, depending on how fancy your pool is.
- Energy: Running the pump 8-12 hours daily? That’s another $30-$80 on your SRP or APS bill.
At HomeCrt, we’ve seen folks save by using pool covers to cut evaporation and energy-efficient pumps (Energy Star has great tips). Little changes add up.
DIY vs. Pro: Which Saves More Cash?
Alright, let’s talk options. Doing it yourself sounds cheap, right? But it’s not just about money. Time, stress, and that one time you accidentally turned the pool green matter too. Here’s the scoop:
- DIY: Costs $80-$120/month for chemicals and tools. You’ll spend 4-6 hours monthly cleaning. Perfect if you’re handy and don’t mind YouTube tutorials.
- Hiring a Pro: Costs $120-$250/month. They handle everything, even weird problems like “why is the water cloudy?” Worth it if you’d rather binge Netflix than test pH levels.
Take Mark, a Gilbert dad who tried DIY but kept forgetting to check chemicals. After his kids’ swimsuits got bleached (oops), he switched to a pro. Now he’s stress-free, even if it costs a bit more.
How to Keep Costs Down Without the Headache
Want the pool life without the wallet drain? Try these tips:
- Test water weekly: A $10 kit stops big problems early. No more “algae parties” in your pool.
- Run the pump smarter: Use timers! Running it overnight when electricity rates drop can save $15-$20/month.
- Buy chemicals in bulk: Costco or Sam’s Club deals cut costs, especially if you’re splitting with a neighbor.
HomeCrt’s Phoenix clients swear by these hacks. One even saved $400/year by switching to a variable-speed pump. Oh, and don’t forget the CDC’s pool safety guide—nobody wants a slimy pool or sick kids.
Wrapping Up
So, what’s the real cost of pool maintenance? It depends. If you’re hands-on, maybe $80-$150/month. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, $150-$300. But here’s the thing: pools aren’t just costs. They’re BBQs, midnight swims, and surviving Phoenix summers. The key is knowing where your money’s going and tweaking what you can. Whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring help, a little planning goes a long way. And hey, if you ever feel stuck, HomeCrt’s blog has more tips to keep your pool—and budget—crystal clear.
